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New York Construction Accident Lawyer

Call Now: 1 (800) 318-8888
New York City Construction Accident Lawyer
GREGORY SPEKTOR, ESQ.

If you sustained injuries in a construction site accident, receiving sound and precise legal advice is a logical and necessary complement to your ongoing healthcare treatment.

A New York construction accident lawyer is a dynamic and accomplished negotiator and litigator ready to represent you in seeking compensation for your injuries.

The mounting medical bills from the construction site accident and the necessary treatment protocols can be quite daunting.

Lost income when an injury victim is not physically up to work, even temporarily, can create financial havoc for construction workers and their families. 

If you need help obtaining the compensation you deserve, call Gregory Spektor & Associates at 800-318-8888 to schedule a free case review with a lawyer in New York.

Why Choose Our New York Construction Accident Attorney?

Gregory Spektor & Associates strives to help our injury clients receive fair compensation following a construction incident so that workers can continue to provide for their families. Our New York City construction accident lawyers are familiar with the law, have years of experience representing construction workers with injuries and individuals in construction accident lawsuits, and have received many positive reviews from clients.

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Our New York City team will work tirelessly to secure justice for injured parties, in or out of the court system. Our passionate legal professionals will work to secure the maximum amount of compensation you or your loved ones deserve. At our law firm, we will always keep you updated about your case and educate you on what you need to do after a construction or industrial incident. As a victim, you obviously want to recover physically and emotionally from the injuries you sustained as the result of a construction accident. 

Our firm will track your medical records, treatment expenses, and care to establish enough evidence that a worker needs to support an injury claim and confirm what caused the accident. In a complex case, the firm will consult medical experts, economists, engineers, safety specialists, occupational therapists, and other professionals as necessary who can make the claim persuasive, in so doing enable you to get compensation and even reach a positive verdict at trial, if a lawsuit becomes necessary.

How Can a New York Construction Accident Lawyer Help You?

As alluded to above, a construction accident lawyer can assist you in various ways by  determining  a sound and successful  legal strategy for your case. This kind of  tailored approach includes the following top-notch legal services:

  • Conducting a detailed and sophisticated investigation into the construction accident in all of its parameters to determine precisely what happened and who is at fault under facts and as a matter of law.
  • Arranging for the participation of healthcare and industrial professionals to support and validate your claim.
  • Preparing and processing your workers’ compensation application if you are an employee injured at the construction site.
  • Identifying other legal options that might be available to you to recover monetary damages.
  • Analyzing and calculating the full measure of your losses so that you are in the most favorable position to maximize compensation.
  • Aggressively negotiating with the insurance company or companies involved, as well as other potentially liable parties, so that your rights are abundantly protected.
  • Taking a non-employer third party to court (such as a subcontractor or perhaps a manufacturer of defective equipment)  if necessary, when that party is also liable for what happened.
  • Insurance matters: Assisting with insurance claims and coverage issues related to construction projects, ensuring that you have the necessary coverage and support in the event of unforeseen circumstances.

Common Causes of Construction Accidents in New York

Construction sites in New York are bustling hubs of activity, but they also come with inherent risks. Understanding the common causes of construction accidents can help in mitigating these hazards and ensuring a safer working environment. Here are some of the most frequent causes of construction accidents:

  • Falls from Heights: This is one of the leading causes of injuries and fatalities on construction sites, often due to inadequate fall protection measures.
  • Falling Objects: Tools, materials, and debris can fall from significant heights, posing serious risks to workers below.
  • Electrocutions: Contact with live wires or faulty electrical systems can lead to severe injuries or fatalities.
  • Scaffolding Collapses: Improperly constructed or poorly maintained scaffolding can result in dangerous collapses.
  • Slip and Falls: Slippery surfaces, uneven ground, and obstacles can cause workers to trip and fall.
  • Heavy Machinery Accidents: Mishandling or malfunctioning of heavy machinery like cranes, bulldozers, and forklifts can lead to catastrophic accidents.
  • Trench Collapses: Workers in trenches can be buried alive if the trench walls are not properly shored up.
  • Exposure to Hazardous Materials: Inadequate protective measures against chemicals, asbestos, and other hazardous materials can cause long-term health issues.
  • Repetitive Motion Injuries: Constantly performing the same motion can lead to chronic musculoskeletal disorders.
  • Vehicle Accidents: Construction vehicles pose risks both to workers on foot and to the operators themselves.
  • Explosions and Fires: The use of flammable materials and faulty electrical wiring can lead to unexpected explosions and fires.
  • Lack of Proper Training: Inadequately trained workers may not be aware of safety protocols, increasing the likelihood of accidents.

By recognizing and addressing these common causes, construction sites in New York can improve safety standards and protect their workers from preventable accidents.
Construction Accident

Common Injuries from Construction Accidents in New York

In accident cases, construction workers and others can be severely injured or killed in building collapses, explosions, fires, ladder or structure accidents such as a fall from heights, or structural demolition accidents. Our New York City construction accident lawyers also have the requisite experience in litigating wrongful death lawsuits against negligent parties who have failed to take protective measures.

New York construction site owners and construction companies by law must maintain reasonable and adequate protection and training for their workers on a job site. Along with federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations, New York labor laws are aimed at protecting workers in the construction industry from known hazards at construction sites including, but not limited to, falling debris. These sites must provide reasonable protection to persons employed there. When a property owner or construction company’s failure to protect workers through violating rules leaves you injured, those entities must be held accountable.

Some of the most well-known or commonly occurring causes of New York City construction work injuries include:

  • Illness due to toxic exposure from use and handling of chemicals
  • Construction accident fatalities
  • Eye injuries 
  • Electrical accidents and those involving electrocution or welding tools incidents
  • Forklift accidents
  • Arms and leg fractures due ladder falls or accidents
  • Concussions after falling from roofs or other elevated surfaces
  • Head injuries due to falling debris from above or being struck in gravity-related accidents.
  • Severe brain damage from hard-impact accidents
  • Burns
  • Slip and fall accidents on uneven floors or surfaces
  • Injuries due to long-term repetitive motions. 
  • Ladder-related injuries 

Other forms of worksite harm include back injuries, broken bones, and spinal cord injuries due to scaffold accidents, falls into a trench, or from collapsed buildings, or any kind of misfortune for a worker who fell.

New York City Construction Accidents Involving Third-Party Contractors

There are many parties that could be implicated in a NYC or New Jersey construction site accident lawsuit, such as drivers, engineers, subcontractors, contractors, and other types of workers. It could be complicated to know who the right party is to sue.  Our NYC firm has the experience and skills to determine who is at fault and who needs to be held liable for your injuries in your workers’ compensation benefits case as well as in a potential lawsuit.

When you hire Gregory Spektor & Associates, our New York construction accident attorneys thoroughly investigate the case and will strive to ensure every potential party is held liable for your injuries. With our knowledge of the law and a thorough legal plan, we will work on your behalf so you have the right to recover financial compensation.

How Often Do These Types of Construction Accidents Occur?

Unfortunately, construction in New York is one of the most dangerous types of work. According to the Bureau of Labor of Statistics, over 150,000 construction site accidents occur each year and can affect persons and businesses, costing millions and even billions of dollars in lost productivity. 

Severe and fatal construction accidents are not that common on construction sites, but they do occur. Regardless of their severity, they are shocking for the parties involved, especially for those, e.g., hurt in a construction accident involving falls from a roof, a scaffold or ladders, or  in excavation incidents, which can sometimes lead to construction-related deaths or temporary or permanent disability.

If you are a New York construction worker and have been injured in an accident on the job, you need to know that you are not alone; many construction workers have been impacted by many  different events and unfortunately suffer accordingly. Typically, in New York, worker safety on a construction site is a major concern, and therefore it is highly imperative to report and penalize any violations of industrial safety codes.

New York construction sites are very hazardous work environments. Heights, heavy machinery devices, hazardous chemicals, downed electric lines, unsecured tools, and a scaffold collapse are just some of the most common and specific dangers that a worker may encounter regularly on a construction site. Compared to some other industries in the city, workers at NY construction sites face a greater risk of injury. 

What Should You Bring When Coming for Your Consultation Meeting with Our Lawyers?

After an accident in New York on a construction site, it is important to talk to experienced New York construction accident attorneys. Our skilled New York city personal injury lawyers will guide you through all the steps required to build a strong claim. That being said, there are a few items that you should bring to the initial consultation with our firm that will be important to build a credible case in accordance with construction injury law.

If it is possible, you should try to bring the following for your first meeting with our firm:

  • Hospital and healthcare documentation such as the doctor’s diagnosis, your treatment plan, medical expenses and costs for your treatment, admission, and other release dates. You should also have a list of medications you used or are currently using because of the injuries sustained from the accident.
  • Documentation that describes your health insurance coverage and any existing claim filed because of your injuries can also be helpful to your case.
  • Proof of the days that you missed  work because of the construction site  injuries.
  • Your W2 and paycheck to demonstrate  how the accident has negatively impacted your earnings capacity. A police report, if any, that was filed immediately after the construction accident happened plus an occupational illness/injury report and any forms related to workers’ compensation benefits.

What To Do After A Construction Site Accidents In New York City

Every year in New York, hundreds of construction workers face many accidents ranging from minor scrapes and bruises to catastrophic traumas. Here are some suggestions to help you pursue the highest compensation you deserve.

Seek Medical Attention for your Injury

Seek medical attention promptly if you have been injured in an NYC construction site accident. Don’t be reluctant to call 911. In addition to paramedic care at the scene, and the initial documentation that comes with it, have a doctor evaluate the degree of your injuries even if you believe they are minor, for proper directions on recovery and medications. A medical record that documents your injuries may be useful for you to file a workers’ compensation claim or if your case is ever taken to court in front of a jury in the form of a personal injury lawsuit.

Reporting the Accident

At times, New York City workers may be reluctant to disclose their construction injuries because they are afraid of losing their job  or their privacy; If you’re injured, it is nonetheless recommended that you immediately report an accident to a supervisor or whoever is in charge at the scene within 30 days.

Gather More Information

Gather as much information as you can about your construction incident. This includes collecting more contact information of potentially involved multiple parties who may be responsible for the work location as well as witnesses such as your fellow workers This kind information is vital for the investigation into what happened and will ultimately enable the lawyers in New York to conduct the appropriate inquiries.

Take Pictures of The Accident Site

With your phone, take pictures or videos of the site where the construction accident occurred, the machinery, scaffold materials, construction equipment, and everything else that might be involved. If you are too injured to do this, however, stay put and ask for help. If the NYC accident was because of unsafe working conditions, you need these images to ensure that you have a record of the hazardous construction area and/or the relevant defective equipment.

Contact a Lawyer

An experienced NYC attorney knows the complexities of construction site accidents and has a command of the intricacies of workers’ compensation laws as well as having the necessary skills to file a lawsuit to recover compensation, if or when necessary.  NYC Construction accident lawyers can handle the investigation and the paperwork for your case.

Essential Sections of New York City Labor Laws

  • NYC Scaffolding Law: According to Section 240 of New York Labor Law, the use of scaffolding on construction sites is permitted provided that the following conditions are satisfied.
  • Scaffolding that is installed above 20 feet from the ground must have a safety rail that is made from material suitable for at least 34 inches of height
  • Scaffolding must be constructed such that it will be able to bear four times the maximum weight that is required.
  • The safety railing must cover all the sides and scaffolding ends. The installation must be in such a way that there are enough openings to permit the delivery of the essential materials.
  • Scaffolding must prevent swaying from the building and its structure

General contractors and owners who fail to comply with these requirements are subject to strict liability. This broadly  means that if someone is injured as the result of a scaffolding accident, the party in control of the location is automatically liable regardless of negligence or other malfeasance.  In other words, it’s unlikely that, e.g., general contractors could argue in defense that they were unaware of workplace safety requirements imposed by Section 240.

If our attorneys determine that there has been a violation of Section 240, they will fight for the victim’s right to compensation by aggregating evidence, building a case, negotiating with counterparties, and, if needed, taking the case to trial or arbitration.

  • Section 200: Responsibility to provide safe working conditions


According to New York labor law Section 200, owners and contractors must provide safe working conditions on construction sites. Proper protection includes safe equipment and machinery e. Owners and contractors have a duty to alleviate dangerous conditions and issue warnings in case dangerous conditions are present.

Who is Liable in a Construction Accident in New York?

New York construction sites are usually a beehive of activity, especially a work site with a major project underway. Numerous individuals are in and out of construction projects, such as truck drivers, heavy machinery or equipment operators, vendors, property owners, general contractors, and third-party contractors. These parties are obligated to  protect construction laborers from harm.

Although one or more negligent third parties may not have been on site when your accident occurred, they may nevertheless be liable for your injuries if you were hurt as a result of their negligence. Some of these parties include equipment manufacturers, elevator maintenance, architects, and engineers. Their actions or omissions may have caused your injuries; faulty construction machinery or a scaffolding accident that injures you while working could be examples. The negligent third party potentially could be the equipment manufacturer. If a design flaw caused the accident to happen, the law may also hold those in the chain of commerce  liable under the product liability theory.

In construction accident cases, our New York-based firm will work closely with you to identify the party or parties who can be held accountable for the  workplace harm. We will also handle all negotiations with the insurance companies. 

New York City Construction Accident Statistics

Safety hazards and risks are commonplace in the construction industry in New York.  In the year 2018, for example, nearly 30% of work fatalities that happened in NYC were in the private construction industry. 

Generally, many NYC construction deaths were the result of slips, trips, falls, and contact with machinery or objects. For labor protection, there are many labor laws passed by city and  state labor authorities. With extensive experience handling injury cases, our New York Construction Accident Lawyers will protect your interests, fight for your rights, and will work tirelessly to get you the compensation you deserve.

Building Construction-Related Incidents

Year Incidents Injuries Fatalities
2018 1193 759 13
2019 960 594 14
2020 796 502 8
2021 712 505 9
2022 751 554 11

NYC Construction Site Report 2022

A 2022 New York City Construction Safety Report emphasizes the need for transparency between construction workers and the construction industry and the importance of complying with NYC safety standards. According to statistics included in this report, worker injuries on construction sites rose 9.7% from 2021. However, the report shows that the number of construction-related incidents was still less than the 759 accidents that took place in 2018.

In an effort to reduce the number of these accidents, the New York City Department of Buildings is requiring larger and more complex building projects known as site-safety training (SST) worksites to obtain Department-approved site safety plans, and require supervision by a construction superintendent. Since the passage of local law 196 of 2017, 259,625 SST cards have been issued by the Department; all workers and supervisors on SST sites in New York City must have identification cards.

Statute Of Limitations For Construction Accidents In New York City

In New York, it’s important to be aware that the statute of limitations for filing a construction accident claim is generally three years from the date of the accident. This means that individuals have a three-year window from the date of the accident to file a claim. 

However, it’s crucial to understand that there may be specific deadlines and requirements depending on the circumstances of the case. Consulting with a legal professional is highly recommended to ensure that you fully comprehend the details and nuances of your specific situation.

How Can A Construction Vehicle Cause An Accident?

Many people are unaware that they can be considered for construction accident compensation even if they were not employees at the site. For instance, you can be a pedestrian who gets struck by falling objects from under the scaffold or a window while lawfully frequenting such places. This could create grounds to seek money damages  if the resultant incident caused you to miss work, incur substantial medical expenses, or lose pay. 

Motorists also get regularly injured when involved in a construction-related vehicle accident;  bicycle, train, and bus accidents can also occur. This can result from, e.g.,  insufficient notices or barriers around a construction site, falling objects, or accidents caused by a construction vehicle. If you or a loved one feel that a contractor’s negligent actions caused such an  accident, you should talk to an attorney who will assist you in getting the justice you deserve. 

Contact New York Construction Site Accident Lawyer For Free Free Consultation

If you or a loved one has suffered serious injuries on a New York City construction site, you can call a New York construction accident lawyer right away for effective assistance. We cultivate a positive and personal attorney-client relationship with injured construction workers and union members so that they get compensation they are legally entitled to from an insurance company self-insured entity or to seek damages arising from the negligent actions of others.

Gregory Spektor & Associates has helped many clients, including construction workers, and recovered several million-dollar and multi-million-dollar settlements. Although we cannot guarantee a similar outcome in your case, we will fulfill our duty to work hard to get you the compensation you deserve in verdicts and settlements. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation

FAQs on Construction Accidents In New York

1 . What are the deadlines for a construction injury claim in New York?

An individual has a strict three-year window within which to file a personal injury claim in New York courts if it ever comes to that. For workers seeking workers’ compensation, which is the more likely initial scenario, it’s vital to notify the employer within 30 days from the NY accident date. This prompt action allows them to submit a claim for benefits. Failing to meet this deadline could result in losing your opportunity to seek compensation.

2. How much is my New York City construction injury claim worth?

The amount of a construction injury claim may vary based on the type and severity of the injuries sustained by the accident victim. Construction injury claims may be worth thousands of dollars for relatively minor injuries and millions of dollars for severe injuries such as traumatic brain injury (TBI). The available compensation will mostly depend on medical bills, lost wages, temporary or permanent disabilities, property damage, and pain and suffering.

3. Can I Sue My Employer After I Get Hurt on a New York Construction Site?

As worker’s compensation is a no-fault system, it allows injured workers to trigger  benefits after sustaining injury in an on-the-job accident. However, you cannot take legal action against your employer after getting hurt on a construction site in New York if you are receiving workers’ compensation, subject to certain exceptions. You can, however, file a worker’s compensation claim for benefits without proving fault, even in some circumstances when one or more employees could be blamed for causing the accident. As explained previously, an injured party can generally file a lawsuit to sue a non-employer entity who caused or partially caused the harm. The potential monetary awards  are in complex scenarios, however,  where legal advice is essential.

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